Handicapper’s Blog 12/8/2024

Spring Group 1 races

Spring is close… you can feel the expectation around the elite gallopers as they build into their preparations. Also, the anticipation of the Classic 3yo crop, and the cautious optimism around new generation of juveniles.

We have seen a number of the elite in action at trials in the past 7 days, which coincided with Friday’s release of the order of entry for New Zealand’s first Group 1 – the Tarzino Trophy, WFA, 1400m $400,000 at Hastings on September 7^th.

Pleasingly, a majority of New Zealand’s best gallopers have been nominated. It is vitally important that our Group 1 races attract a number of our best-rated gallopers, or they risk being downgraded.

The order of entry for the Tarzino is based on Group races performances in the past 18 months. There are ten individual Group 1 winners, thus meeting the first condition of field selection, and then a further nine horses Group 1-placed and/or a Group 2 winner – the second condition.

With the current order of entry released, the spotlight now focuses firmly on the time-honoured Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate, WFA, 1200m at Te Rapa on August 24^th. Not only does this provide an excellent guide to Tarzino Trophy chances, but the first two placings gain ballot exemptions for the Tarzino Trophy.

Arrowfield Stud Plate (September 28^th, Group 1, 1600m $400,000) and Livamol Classic (October 12^th, Group 1, 2040m, $500,000) current entry orders will be released this week.

Tarzino Trophy order of entry:

https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/53098/Meeting-Overview.aspx

International Ratings (NZ)

The Asian Handicapper’s Committee (AHC) meeting recently confirmed the International Ratings for all Group 1 placegetters from last season. Note – International Ratings are completely separate to each country’s domestic rating system.

Imperatriz’s international rating of 123 (119 excluding F&M allowance) had been confirmed at the previous AHC meeting, but the achievement is worth reiterating given her place in the world order. Asfoora’s Royal Ascot win was further confirmation of her star status.

Orchestral 118 (114) is now New Zealand’s highest rated active galloper, receiving our highest 3yo rating in recent years. While she didn’t replicate her best in Australia at the end of her prep, her 3 peak runs in New Zealand were something to behold.

Legarto 116 (112) maintained her mark of season 22/23, followed by Bonny Lass, Crocetti, La Crique, and Mustang Valley at 115 (111). Then Campionessa, Desert Lightning and Skew Wiff 114 (110). El Vencedor rounds out the top-10 at 113.

International Ratings are used to compile a Race Rating for each black-type race conducted. The NZ Pattern Committee will meet this week to review the 2023/24 black-type season, given confirmation of ratings from AHC.

 

Bruce Sherwin

Interim Senior Handicapper